Memorial Day
I know it’s not Memorial Day yet, but the weekend is about to start, and I expect most people won’t be at their computers on Monday, so I wanted to post this today. Memorial Day has its origins in the American Civil War. For many years, Decoration Day was a time to visit the graves of those killed during the War Between the States and remember their sacrifices. Now we remember all those who have perished while serving in the armed forces, and to a certain extent, all those who have left this life. This Memorial Day, I hope you’ll take a moment to think of the blessings we have here in the United States because of those who have given that “last true measure of devotion” for our freedom. I hope everyone has a wonderful holiday!
Sworn Enemy Links
My hometown newspaper, The Columbia Basin Herald, wrote an article about me, and you can read a scanned-in version here: CBH article.
Also, a few weeks ago I was a guest on The Good Word Podcast with Nick Galieti. You can download or listen to the podcast at http://www.radiogoldproductions.com/thegoodword/episode-130-interview-with-a-l-sowards/. We talked about Espionage, Sworn Enemy, and writing in general. Included in the podcast is an audio clip of Sworn Enemy.
A. L. Sowards 
Nice article and a great interview. Twin daughters are a wonderful challenge – Mine will be 40 this year so you can definitely survive..
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Thanks, Judy. It’s always nice to hear from other mothers of twins! I think “wonderful challenge” is a perfect way to describe twins.
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I never knew about Memorial Day when I was growing up. It was just the day the pool opened. My husband’s family spends the day going to cemeteries, so he grew up with a little better understanding of it. The Civil War was such a tragedy. When I do family history research, I’m always shocked by the losses my ancestors faced. There were so many orphans and widows left without any family. Even just thinking about my dad, who was 16 when Japan attacked Pearl Harbor, I have to admit that most of us don’t have to sacrifice as much as those who’ve gone before.
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Thank you for your comment, Rebecca. Wars leave such big gaps, don’t they?
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Hi, thanks for sharing. I’m wondering if it’s OK to copy some of the text in my site?
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Thank you for visiting my site, Steven. You may copy part of this post, but please include my website as your source.
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Greetings from Florida! I’m bored at work so I decided to browse your website on my iphone during lunch break.
I enjoy the info you provide here and can’t wait to take a
look when I get home. I’m surprised at how quick your blog loaded on my phone
.. I’m not even using WIFI, just 3G .. Anyways, good blog!
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Florida always seems like a good place to be in February. . .
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First of all I would like to say excellent blog!
I had a quick question which I’d like to ask if you don’t mind.
I was interested to know how you center yourself and clear your thoughts prior to writing.
I’ve had a difficult time clearing my thoughts in getting my ideas
out. I do take pleasure in writing however it just seems like the first 10 to 15 minutes tend to be wasted simply
just trying to figure out how to begin. Any suggestions or tips?
Thanks!
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When I’m writing a first draft, I try to write 1000 words a day. And the first 300 are usually hard to get out, but after that it’s so much easier. So I guess my advice it to push through that initial time. If you can, plan ahead what you’ll start with. It’s easier to start if it’s something you’re eager to write.
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